Restoring a time machine backup from an old iMac to new Mac mini

I am considering purchasing a Mac Mini.  I currently have an iMac (2007) model.  I would like to backup/transfer the apps from one to the other.  Is this possible?  I've been using the time machine function which has been backing up my iMac since day one to an external 1 TByte drive. If I can do this, what all info gets backed up?  Will this also restore my e-mails and documents?  I'm new to restoring on a Mac and want to avoid losing apps and having to reload everything piece meal.  I appreciate any advice.
Patrick C.

Actually, you can transfer just about everything via either Target Disk mode or the Time Machine backup database.  The effect would be the same.  The System Installation procedure will ask you if you want to do that.   Alternatively, you can launch Migration Assistant to do that.   It's remarkably complete, including apps and serial numbers and passwords.  A few things need to be done manually afterwards, of course, but not many.
Keep your iMac around for a few weeks in case something you need turns up later not to have been transferred.
Unrelated Note: DO NOT try to copy the Time Machine database from one drive to another.  The database is composed of non-ordinary files and the procedure will take weeks.
--Gil

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    ohnoono wrote:
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